How to Steam Buns Without a Steamer

by
DEBORAH LUNDIN Last Updated: Jan 31, 2014

How to Steam Buns Without a SteamerPhoto Credit Sarah Vantassel/Demand Media

Whether at a baseball game or your favorite hot dog stand, there is nothing like a hot dog inside a freshly steamed and warmed bun. While commercial ventures steam the buns in a steamer, you can achieve the same results with regular kitchen equipment. If you boil your hot dogs, you already have a perfect steaming option available to you. For those barbecued dogs, your microwave offers a way to steam the buns.

When Boiling Hot Dogs

Step 1

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Fill the bottom section of a double boiler with water and place it on the stovetop on high heat. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 2

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Fill the top section of the double boiler with the buns. Place it on top of the boiling water. Cover the pot with the lid.

Step 3

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Allow the buns to steam for one to two minutes. Remove the lid and use tongs to remove the buns from the double boiler.

In the Microwave

Step 1

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Place the bag of buns in the microwave oven. If you do not want to steam the entire bag of buns, remove the buns you want to steam and put them in a plastic bag. Lightly tie the bag closed.

Step 2

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Cook the buns on high for one to two minutes, depending on the number you are steaming. For example, a full bag of eight buns may require two minutes while two or three buns may only need one minute.

Step 3

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Remove the bag of buns with tongs. Carefully open the bag and remove the steamed buns.

Warnings

Be careful when opening a bag that has been in the microwave. The steam trapped inside can scald you.

Tips

If you're boiling hot dogs, place the hot dogs in the boiling water at the bottom of a double boiler. Add the buns one to two minutes before the hot dogs finish cooking.